> >> THE GOVERNMENT WHILE RACING ON ST. THOMAS IS ON STAGE AS THEY SIT DOWN WITH INJURIES.

MAJOR UNCERTAINTY IN THE TERRITORIES FOR VIRGIN INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE DETAILS.

OPERATIONS IN THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS IS CAUSING CONCERN AMONG RESIDENTS.

>> MIXED REACTIONS FROM SENATORS ABOUT ALBERT BRYAN JR. ´S STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

PANELS JOIN THE CONVERSATIONS TO ANALYZE THESE ISSUES AND17:01:04 MORE.

COMES WITH THE TERRITORY STARTS NOW.

WELCOME TO COMES WITH THE17:01:34 TERRITORY.

17:01:35 THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANS TO ESTABLISH A REGULATORY CANNABIS INDUSTRY.

THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO LAY THE FOUNDATIONS, QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT HOW CAN RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES SEE THE17:01:48 BENEFITS.

HERE IS MORE.

IN HIS 2025 STATEMENT,17:01:57 GOVERNOR17:01:58 ALBERT BRYAN JR. OUTLINES17:01:59 PROGRESS ON THE CANNABIS USE17:02:00 ACT.

HIGHLIGHTING THE ACHIEVEMENTS IN BUILDING A RELATED CANNABIS INDUSTRY.

AN ENFORCEMENT UNIT WILL BE ACTIVE IN FEBRUARY.

>> WE HAVE MADE IT EASIER FOR MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND USERS TO REGISTER ONLINE WITH THE OFFICE OF CANNABIS REGULATION.

RESIDENTS WHO USE CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES ARE NOW LEGALLY REGISTERED AND GROWING THEIR OWN CANNABIS AT HOME FOR17:02:28 THEIR USE.

WE WILL OPEN APPLICATIONS FOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION LICENSES FOR DISPENSARIES.

MAY FRACTURES AND OTHER17:02:38 SECTORS AND THE GROWING INDUSTRY WILL FOLLOW SUIT.

THE REGULATED MARKET WILL BRING FORWARD AN ACCEPTABLE CANNABIS17:02:49 INDUSTRY.

17:02:50 THE LAW HAS NOT BEEN WITHOUT17:02:51 CHALLENGES.

THE CANNABIS REGULATIONS FACED CRITICISM IN APPROVING RULES AND REGULATIONS WHICH17:02:59 WERE NOT17:03:00 FINALIZED UNTIL APRIL OF 2024.

A YEAR AFTER THE CANNABIS USE ACT BECAME17:03:05 LAW.

17:03:06 LOGISTICAL HURDLES REMAIN.

ALL CANNABIS TOLD IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MUST BE GROWN, PROCESSED, AND TESTED LOCALLY WITH NO OPTIONS FOR IMPORTING17:03:15 PRODUCTS.

CERTIFIED TESTING FACILITIES ON EACH ISLAND AND NAVIGATING INTERISLAND TRANSPORTATION FOR CANNABIS PRODUCTS HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN DETERMINING17:03:29 THE INDUSTRY SUCCESS.

17:03:30 THEY RECENTLY FINALIZED A17:03:31 CONTRACT WITH THE LEADING PROVIDER OF17:03:34 SALES TRACKING.

17:03:35 DESIGNED TO MONITOR EVERY STAGE17:03:36 OF CANNABIS PRODUCTION FROM CULTIVATION TO SALES ENSURING TRANSPARENCY AND COMPLIANCE AS THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPS.

JOINING THE ONSET IS JoANNE MOREHEAD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF17:03:51 THE OFFICE OF CANNABIS17:03:52 REGULATIONS HERE TO DISCUSS THE NEXT STEPS WITH THE REGULATED17:03:58 INDUSTRY.

THANK YOU AND WELCOME TO COMES WITH THE TERRITORY, MS. 17:04:02 MOREHEAD.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROGRESS AND WHERE THINGS STAND RIGHT NOW.

>> THE GOVERNOR HEADED ON THE HEAD RECENTLY.

IN THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

IN MAY JUST AFTER THE PASSING OF THE REGULATIONS, WE HAVE NOT HAD ONE FULL YEAR WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS YET.

WE HAVE ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS, SACRAMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SACRAMENTAL USERS.

WE ARE SEEING SOME PROGRESS THERE IN TERMS OF PEOPLE BEING ABLE TO APPLY FOR CARDS AND REGISTER ONLINE.

ST. CROIX BEAT US TO THE PUNCH A LITTLE BIT.

17:04:57 THEY HAD THE FIRST17:04:58 PRACTITIONERS AND PATIENTS.

THEY ALSO HAVE THREE REGISTERED17:05:01 PRACTITIONERS.

THAT YOU CAN FIND ON17:05:04 THE17:05:05 WEBSITE.

17:05:06 MEDICAL PATIENTS IN THE ST. 17:05:07 THOMAS AND ST. JOHN DISTRICT THAT ARE ELIGIBLE ARE ABLE TO GO ONLINE AND GET PATIENT CARD17:05:13 AS WELL.

IF YOU DON´T MIND MY SAYING, MANY PEOPLE DON´T REALIZE THAT THIS IS FOR THE WHOLE VIRGIN ISLANDS CANNABIS USE ACT.

MEDICAL PATIENTS THAT RESIDE IN THE TERRITORY ARE ALLOWED17:05:30 TO17:05:31 GROW FOR THEIR PERSONAL MEDICAL USE AT HOME.

THERE ARE LIMITATIONS, SITE INSPECTIONS REQUIRED.

THE FACT THAT WE DON´T HAVE DISPENSARIES IS THE QUESTION ON EVERYBODY´S MIND.

MEDICAL PATIENTS AND SACRAMENTAL USERS AS WELL, IF THEY ARE REGISTERED, CAN GROW AT HOME FOR THEIR PERSONAL MEDICAL USE AND PERSONAL WORSHIP PRACTICES.

>> THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED IN THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY17:06:07 ADDRESS, THAT CULTIVATION LICENSES ARE OPENING UP.

FOLLOWED BY A DISPENSARIES AND MANUFACTURING LICENSES.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE THAT THE TERRITORY CAN ACTUALLY SEE BUSINESSES UP AND RUNNING IN THE CANNABIS17:06:25 INDUSTRY?

>> SO, I APPRECIATE THAT EVERYONE IS EAGER AND LOOKING FOR OPEN DOORS ON CANNABIS17:06:38 BUSINESSES.

THERE ARE A LOT OF MOVING PARTS BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE INDUSTRY HERE IN THE TERRITORY THAT IT HAS AN IMPACT ON.

IT IS ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT.

WE HAVE NOT MADE OUR CROSS CHECKS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE IMPACTS --THE NEGATIVE IMPACT TO OTHER AGENCIES WILL BE17:07:10 MITIGATED.

17:07:11 RIGHT?

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN ENSURE THE SAFETY OF17:07:18 PRODUCTS.

WE CANNOT HAVE UNREGULATED17:07:21 MARKETS WITHOUT SAFE PRODUCTS.

THE GOVERNMENT CERTAINLY IS LOOKING FOR A REVENUE17:07:30 GENERATOR.

WE CANNOT GROW THE MARKET WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO GO LOOK AT THOSE REVENUES.

I KNOW THAT CAME OUT OF THE OCI THIS WEEK.

THE CONTRACT IS EXECUTED A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IN JANUARY.

AND THAT WAS ALSO A BIG STEP FOR THE PRESS RELEASE THERE.

IT SAID THAT IT WILL BE PUT OUT IN NOVEMBER 23 AND IT TOOK QUITE A WHILE FOR THE MOBILE REVIEW PROCESS.

IT WAS EXECUTED AND17:08:05 COMMUNICATED.

WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO TRACK THE PRODUCT IN THE TERRITORY.

>> TELL ME ABOUT HOW THAT SYSTEM WILL ENSURE THAT IT IS REGULATED AND SAFE IN THE TERRITORIES.

>> EVERY STATE WILL HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRACKING OF17:08:23 THE PRODUCT.

WHAT THAT MEANS IS, IF YOU ARE A CULTIVATOR AND THESE ARE THE REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE OUTLINED IN THE LOCAL REGULATIONS AS17:08:36 WELL.

IT IS NOT A SURPRISE.

WHEN YOUR PLANT REACHES A CERTAIN HEIGHT, THEY ARE TO BE TAGGED AND IDENTIFIED BY NUMBER AND BY DATE.

ALL THESE THINGS, THIS GOES INTO METRICS THAT ARE TRACKING THAT INVENTORY.

AFTER THE PLANT REACHES A CERTAIN HEIGHT, ENSURING THAT IT IS A VIABLE PLANT AND IT HAS REACHED A MATURE STATE WHERE IT HAS BEEN HARVESTED.

AND THEN WE HAVE EYES ON17:09:10 THAT17:09:11 PLANT IN THE CULTIVATION.

17:09:12 AND THE SALE.

IT IS HARVESTED WHEN IT IS MANUFACTURED AND PROCESSED.

WHATEVER IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THAT PLANT.

AND THEN IT GOES TO THE17:09:23 DISPENSARY.

EACH ITEM IN THE DISPENSARY WHETHER IT IS FLOUR, WHETHER IT IS DISTILLATE, WHETHER IT IS SOME OTHER MANUFACTURED PRODUCT, HAS A TAG ON IT THAT WILL TELL YOU, EXACTLY WHERE IT CAME FROM, WHEN IT WAS HARVESTED, AND WILL GIVE YOU ALL OF THOSE DETAILS AS WE17:09:45 KNOW.

WITH THE MARKET, THERE IS NO LIMIT TO HOW MUCH AN INDIVIDUAL CAN PURCHASE PER DAY AND THAT IS THE THING SO THAT WHEN YOU GO TO PURCHASE THESE PRODUCTS, IT TRACKS BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO SHOW IDENTIFICATION AND THEN IT TRACKS THAT THIS PRODUCT THAT WE HAVE BEEN TRACKING IS PURCHASED AND WE CAN COUNT17:10:11 THAT.

OUT OF INVENTORY.

>> PATIENTS WHO ARE REGISTERED FOR MEDICINAL CANNABIS CAN GROW AT HOME AS YOU JUST NOTED, THERE IS NO LEGAL WAY FOR THEM TO BUY DEEDS, RIGHT?

HOW ARE YOU HANDLING THAT17:10:29 ISSUE?

>> I LOOKED THROUGH THIS AND I SPOKE ON THIS YESTERDAY, THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT AT THIS TIME FOR CASES AND INDIVIDUAL SACRAMENTAL USERS WHO ARE ALSO ABLE TO GO ITEM FOR THEIR PERSONAL SACRAMENTAL USE.

THE REQUIREMENT AT THE TIME TO PROVE TO US WHERE THEY GOT SEEDS FROM.

AND I SAY, AT THIS TIME.

YOU KNOW.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR CULTIVATION AND THE GRACE.

TO PROCURE SEEDS FROM WHEREVER THEY ARE ABLE TO.

AS OF RIGHT NOW.

17:11:17 YES.

OBVIOUSLY, ONCE WE HAVE17:11:20 THE17:11:21 PLAN FOR BUSINESSES AVAILABLE AND WE HAVE DEBATED MANUFACTURERS, WE WILL HAVE DEVELOPMENTS FOR THIS NEEDS.

THEN THERE SHOULD BE, I WOULD EXPECT, THERE MIGHT BE A CHANGE.

17:11:33 LATER ON.

AT THE MOMENT, THERE IS NO SUCH REQUIREMENT.

>> OKAY.

GOVERNOR RYAN MENTIONED RECORDS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF SIMPLE POSSESSION17:11:51 OF CANNABIS.

WHERE DOES THE VIRGIN17:11:54 ISLANDS STAND ON THE RECORD EXPUNGEMENT PROCESS THAT IS BEING PUSHED?

>> THIS IS AT 8680.

8679 IS THE ACT THAT DEALS WITH THE EXPUNGEMENT17:12:12 OF THOSE RECORDS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

ACT 8679 CALLED FOR THE AUTO EXPUNGEMENT TASK FORCE THAT IS SEATED IN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AND THERE ARE OFFERS OF THE TASK FORCE AND OTHER AGENCIES AND MEMBERS OF THAT TASK FORCE.

THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ALSO TO SORT OF GET THAT PROCESS17:12:43 STARTED.

IN SEPTEMBER OF 2024, THE FIRST BATCH OF PETITIONS WAS SENT TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND FOR SURE WE KNOW THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL EXPUNGEMENT´S.

AUTO EXPUNGEMENT, THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT IF YOU HAVE THAT RECORD THAT THE COURT AUTOMATICALLY DOES IT ON THEIR17:13:06 OWN.

17:13:07 YOU DO HAVE TO PETITION THE COURT FOR THAT EXPUNGEMENT.

UNLESS THERE ARE MITIGATING17:13:15 CIRCUMSTANCES.

NOT EVERYONE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE THE SAME.

PROVIDING THERE ARE NO MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES, THEN THE RECORD SHOULD BE EXPUNGED.

WE DO HAVE SOME ADDITIONAL ONES IN THE PIPELINE.

ALL THE ONES FROM SEPTEMBER HAVE BEEN GRANTED.

THEY ARE JUST MAKING THEIR WAY THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM.

17:13:38 >> OKAY.

I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY AS WELL.

ANOTHER THING THAT WAS NOTED, THE ENFORCEMENT UNIT IS SET TO BECOME ACTIVE IN FEBRUARY.

WHAT WOULD THAT ROLL LOOK LIKE AND HOW WOULD COMPLIANCE BE ENFORCED?

>> WE KNOW THAT ENFORCEMENT IS KEY TO THE WHOLE INDUSTRY.

THE WHOLE MARKET PROGRAM THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO SET UP IS NOT GOING TO WORK WITHOUT ADHERENCE TO THE LAW AND THE17:14:10 RULES.

SO, WE ARE VERY EXCITED, IT HAS BEEN A LONG HAUL FOR THE VERY SMALL OFFICE.

NOW WE ARE GOING TO BE ON BOARDING THE ENFORCEMENT17:14:21 LEADERS.

17:14:22 THEY SHOULD BE ON BOARD BY THE END OF FEBRUARY.

A REALLY GOOD SOLID TEAM.

I´M VERY EXCITED.

THE ROLE THAT ENFORCEMENT PLAYS, IN THE BEGINNING, ESPECIALLY, WE DON´T HAVE ANY LICENSEES YET.

THESE ARE THE SIGNS THAT WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS HAVING LICENSED17:14:45 BUSINESSES.

WE NOW HAVE ENFORCEMENT.

WE CANNOT ISSUE ANY LICENSES BEFORE WITHOUT ENFORCEMENT AND WITHOUT CHECKING COMPLIANCE.

WE ARE REALLY EXCITED.

I AM WORKING REALLY HARD WITH MY TEAM17:15:06 COLLABORATING WITH17:15:07 OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

THERE ARE A LOT OF ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE TERRITORY.

LIKE I SAID EARLIER, THERE IS A LOT OF IMPACT AND CROSS17:15:17 COLLABORATION THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENTS NEEDS.

WE ARE WORKING REALLY HARD WITH17:15:26 THOSE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE17:15:27 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND17:15:28 THERE WILL BE A LOT OF TRAINING HAPPENING IN THE LAST --NEXT FEW MONTHS.

GETTING CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF HOW IT ALL WORKS.

>> OKAY HERE YOU ALSO RECENTLY ATTENDED AN EVENT WHERE YOU WERE ABLE TO GAIN SOME EXPERIENCE AND THE AND LEARN THINGS FROM OTHER STATES AND WHAT THEY ARE DOING AS WELL17:15:50 TOO.

17:15:51 HOW DID THE VIRGIN ISLANDS17:15:52 COMPARED TO WHAT IS HAPPENING ELSEWHERE ACROSS THE MAINLAND?

>> IT IS INTERESTING.

ON ONE HAND, A LOT OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE SEEN HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THE CHALLENGES THAT ALL JURISDICTIONS ARE17:16:09 HAVING.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE, HORSE, FOR ANYBODY, IS THAT MARIJUANA REMAINS A FEDERALLY SCHEDULE ONE DRUG.

AND SO THAT COMES WITH A HOST OF CHALLENGES.

AND WE ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THOSE CHALLENGES HERE IN THE TERRITORY.

SIMILARLY, WE HAVE A UNIQUE SET UP.

WE HAVE A CULTURE, I THINK, THAT APPROACHES CANNABIS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY.

ONE OF THE FIRST JURISDICTIONS THAT MAKE PROVISIONS AND RECOGNIZE SACRAMENTAL USE17:16:53 OF17:16:54 CANNABIS.

OUR STATE IS FACING SOME PUSH BY SACRAMENTAL USERS IN THEIR STATES TO BE RECOGNIZED.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, IS REALLY POISED, I HOPE THAT WE CAN GET IT GOING FAST BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE ANXIOUS TO SEE REALLY OPEN UP.

>> BEFORE YOU GO, I WANT YOU TO TELL ME, FIVE YEARS FROM NOW, WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CANNABIS ISSUE.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO GET IT THERE?

>> OH MAN.

I CAN´T WAIT.

I THINK THAT WE WILL HAVE A THRIVING CANNABIS MARKET.

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT THOSE WHO WANT TO USE IT FORM INVISIBLE --MEDICINAL PURPOSES WILL HAVE ACCESS TO SAFE PRODUCT THAT WILL INCREASE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE AND HELP ALLEVIATE THEIR HEALTH17:17:59 CONDITIONS.

I HOPE WE WILL HAVE A RECREATIONAL POPULATION WHO CAN ENJOY THIS TOO.

IN A WAY THAT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THOSE WHO DON´T.

IN A SAFE WAY.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING TESTING FACILITIES THAT CAN ENSURE THAT WE HAVE PRODUCT THAT IS SAFE FOR PEOPLE TO CONSUME AND NOT CAUSE ADDITIONAL HARM OR DAMAGE.

>> WE WILL HAVE TO BRING YOU BACK AS PROGRESS CONTINUES.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

> >> NEXT WE WILL HEAR FROM THE PANEL BUT FIRST LET´S LOOK AT THE TOPICS UP FOR DISCUSSION.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNOR HAS OPERATIONS.

ANNOUNCING THIS AT THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

>> SHOULD BE EVIDENT TO17:18:55 EVERYONE, WE HAVE DONE EVERYTHING WE CAN DO.

WE DO NOT HAVE THE WHEREWITHAL OR THE RESOURCES TO REBUILD THE TRACK.

THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FILED LAST WEEK FOR THE BREACH OF THE17:19:13 CONTRACT.

17:19:14 WE HAVE 12 MILLION OF OUR OWN.

WE, THE GOVERNMENT CAN REBUILD THE TRACK AND RESTORE HORSE RACING.

>> RULING OUT SEVERAL CONTRACT17:19:28 VIOLATIONS INCLUDING A MILLION- DOLLAR PERFORMANCE BOND AND A MILLION-DOLLAR INVESTMENT TO REQUIRE PERMITS.

THE GOVERNMENT IS17:19:41 GOING TO17:19:42 TRANSFER ANY FUNDS THAT THE COMPANY OBTAINED.

A GRANT WILL ALLOW RACETRACKS ON BOTH ISLANDS.

SET DEADLINES AND COMMITTED $5 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT FUNDS.

ONLY IF CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN.

THAT DID NOT HAPPEN.

THEY MET FOR THE GROUNDBREAKING DEADLINE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2023.

AND SAID THAT THEY WOULD REQUIRE PERMITS FOR US FOR THE GOVERNMENT DISAGREED.

THE PERMIT NEEDED IN 2024.

BY MAY, THEY WARNED THEM OF CONTRACT VIOLATIONS.

THE GOVERNMENT ISN´T WAITING.

THEY IMPOSED DATA FUNDS FOR CONTACT BRIDGES.

THE ST. CROIX RACETRACK IS17:20:39 UNFINISHED.

AND WILL NOT BE RETURNING ANYTIME SOON.

THE RACETRACK ON ST. THOMAS IS ON HOLD SINCE DECEMBER 22nd HAD TO BE EUTHANIZED.

THE ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN COMMISSION ANNOUNCED THAT ALL RACING IS IS ENDED UNTIL THE TRACK IS FULLY INSPECTED.

UNNECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS ARE17:21:04 MADE.

17:21:05 IN A STATEMENT, THE COMMISSION SAID, THEY HAVE CONSULTED VETERINARIANS, JOCKEYS AND17:21:11 PERSONNEL TO DETERMINE WHAT17:21:12 WENT WRONG.

POSSIBLE FACTORS INCLUDE17:21:17 MEDICATION USE AND THE CONDITION OF THE TRACK.

THE COMMISSION IS CONDUCTING A FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THE VIOLATIONS.

AND HOPING THAT THE SAFETY OFFICER CAN IMPROVE IT.

ADVOCATING FOR A STATEMENT OF REGULATIONS ONCE THE TESTING IS DONE AND THE TRACK IS COMPLETED.

THE DEPARTMENT OF DECLARATION ALSO ISSUED A STATEMENT ACKNOWLEDGING THE CONDITIONS AND REAFFIRMING THAT IT IT WILL ENSURE SAFE RACING CONDITIONS.

NOW HORSERACING ON ST. THOMAS IS SUSPENDED.

INVESTIGATING BOTH JOCKEYS AND17:21:57 HORSES.

> >> FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ARE HAPPENING IN THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO.

POSTING IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA SHOWING THEM IN PUERTO RICO AND HAS CONFIRMED THAT THEY ARE ONGOING IN PUERTO RICO AS PART OF RESIDENT TRUMPS EXECUTIVE17:22:21 ORDER.

PROTECTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE17:22:24 AGAINST INVASION.

17:22:25 SIGNED ON JANUARY 20th OF 2025, THE ORDER STATES THAT THEY ARE ENFORCING THE IMMIGRATION LAWS WHICH IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE UNITED DATE.

17:22:39 THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION17:22:40 OVERSAW AN UNPRECEDENTED FLOOD17:22:41 OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION INTO THE17:22:42 UNITED STATES.

MANY OF THESE ALIENS UNLAWFULLY LIVED IN THE UNITED STATES AND POSE SIGNIFICANT THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC17:22:52 SAFETY.

COMMITTING VIOLENT AND HEINOUS ACTS AGAINST INNOCENT AMERICANS.

I. C. E. AGENTS ARE MONITORING VERY OPERATION.

THOSE IN THE ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN AREA ARE FIGHTING THESE ACTIVITIES.

OFFICIALS HAVE NOT PROVIDED COMMENTS ON THE OPERATION AS THE DETAILS ABOUT ARREST AND ATTENTION REMAIN UNCLEAR.

JOINING THE ONSET TO ANALYZE THESE ISSUES IS FORMER SENATOR17:23:26 DAVIS.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW.

AND LET´S WELL, ATTORNEY DWAYNE HENRY AND KAI NIELSEN.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, GENTLEMEN.

I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU THE THOUGHTS ON THE TERRITORIES REGULAR CANNABIS INITIATIVE.

HAVING SERVED FIVE TERMS IN THE LEGISLATURE, YOU HAVE SEEN POLITICS IN THE TERRITORY AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BUT WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG TO ROLL OUT THE OVERALL CANNABIS INDUSTRY?

>> I´M NOT ABLE TO GIVE AN INTELLIGENT ANSWER ON THAT.

I HAVE FOLLOWED THE17:24:17 CANNABIS17:24:18 DISCUSSION ABOUT IT, IT IS NOT MY THING.

HOWEVER, A HEADS-UP THAT THE ORGANIZATION NOW WILL MAKE SURE THAT IT IS PROPERLY REGULATED AND BRINGS A BENEFIT.

I DO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEM17:24:38 WITH17:24:39 IT.

I´M NOT THE RIGHT PERSON.

>> NOW, ATTORNEY HENRY, RIGHT NOW MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS CAN GROW AT HOME BUT THERE IS NO LEGAL WAY TO BUY SEEDS.

IS THIS A LEGAL GRAY AREA OR IS THE GOVERNMENT TELLING PATIENTS TO BREAK THE LAW?

>> THE LATTER, I THINK.

IT IS A NORMAL GRAY AREA.

PERMISSION AND PRICE TO PURCHASE, HOWEVER YOU GET THEM OR GET THEM ANYWAY YOU CAN.

IF IT IS FROM A FRIEND WHO17:25:24 HAS BEEN GROWING IT OR SOMETHING TO17:25:26 THAT EFFECT.

THAT IS A GRAY AREA.

IN TERMS OF ENFORCEMENT.

I DON´T KNOW HOW THEY CAN CHARGE YOU FOR THE SEEDS.

THE QUESTION, SO AS TO GET ARRESTED FOR HAVING SEEDS IN THEIR POSSESSION OR GROWING THE PLANTS WITHOUT DISCLOSING WHERE THEY GOT THE SEEDS17:25:57 FROM.

THERE IS A LOT THAT NEEDS TO BE17:25:59 TWEAKED.

17:26:00 >> YES.

>> MR. NIELSEN, DO17:26:06 YOU THINK THAT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS ON TRACK TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE CANNABIS INDUSTRY WHEN WE ARE FALLING BEHIND OTHER17:26:12 JURISDICTIONS?

>> I THINK THAT MS. MOORE HAD EXPLAINED ANY DELAYS.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE EXPORT, RIGHT?

THEY CAN EXPORT TO ST. THOMAS.

WITH ST. CROIX ALONE,17:26:35 THAT MARKET IS SATURATED.

IF THEY COME AND TRY AND TAP INTO IT WHEN IT IS CULINARY, THAT IS THE ONLY WAY I CAN SEE IT BEING SELLING MORE OF A17:26:50 DISCREPANCY.

>> I WOULD ASSUME THAT MS. MOOREHEAD WOULD APPRECIATE YOU UPLIFTING OR TO ATTORNEY MOOREHEAD.

THEY ARE NOW FLOATING THE IDEA TO LACKS RESOURCES TO REBUILD THE RACETRACK ON ST. CROIX.

SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT HAVE ACTED SOONER TO SEVER TIES WITH THE IGL?

>> THE IGL ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON A BIT TOO LONG.

MARK COULD´VE BEEN DONE TO17:27:34 PROBE THE IGL.

THE PROBLEM SHOWS THAT THE IGL HAS BEEN HEARD THROUGHOUT17:27:44 THE17:27:45 PROCESS.

17:27:46 IT IS QUITE COMPREHENSIVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS FILED.

ATTORNEY BAKER, SHE HAS HER NAME ON IT.

IT IS WELL CONSTRUCTED BECAUSE IT CALLS FOR DECLARATORY17:28:02 JUDGMENT.

WITH WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN17:28:05 HARMED.

THIS IS CALLED A MATERIAL BREACH.

MUCH DIFFERENT.

IT IS WELL THOUGHT OUT.

I DON´T THINK IT IS TO THE MIDDLE.

THAT IS AN APPROPRIATE THING FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DO.

I LOOK AT IT AS AN ATTEMPT AS A17:28:36 CONTRACTOR, THE PROBLEM IS17:28:37 CONTRACTED.

IF ONE OF THE CONTRACTORS THINK THAT THEY HAVE BEEN WRONGED.

>> THE LAST ONE CLAIMS THAT17:28:48 THE IGL FAILED TO PROVIDE A PERFORMANCE BOND AND MISSED THE17:28:59 GROUNDBREAKING DEADLINE.

17:29:00 THEY NEVER MADE THE $50 MILLION17:29:01 INVESTMENT.

17:29:02 NOTABLY, AS I LOOK YOU´RE ON THE LAWSUIT, THE IGL HAS STATED THAT THEY WANTED TO GET THERE CONTROL LICENSE WHICH WAS DONE ON APRIL 18th OF 2024.

AS WE LOOK HERE AT THE LAWSUIT.

THEY APPROVED17:29:18 OUR LICENSE IN17:29:19 2024.

THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO OTHER THINGS.

NOW FOUR MONTHS THAT THE LAWSUIT HAS STATED, THEY DID NOT HAVE A MEETING IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT´S REQUEST.

17:29:31 THE HEARING WAS FINALLY17:29:32 SCHEDULED ON JANUARY 24th.

17:29:33 THAT WAS LAST FRIDAY.

FEBRUARY 27th OF 2025.

WHY HAVE THESE ISSUES GONE UNADDRESSED FOR SO LONG?

AND DOES THIS POINT TO A LACK OF PROPER GOVERNMENT17:29:47 OVERSIGHT?

>> I THINK THE GOVERNOR´S MOVE HAS BEEN VERY PRUDENT.

I HAVE HEARD TESTIMONY ON ST. CROIX FROM THE LEGISLATURE.

AND I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THE ANSWERS THAT YOU ARE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT.

THE GOVERNMENT TOOK ACTION NOW AFTER ALMOST 10 YEARS.

I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO THINK THAT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS NOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS FOR THAT SENSE QUITE A MESSAGE.

I HAVE TO TAKE THIS ACTION ALL THE WAY.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE EVERYTHING.

IT IS TIME TO MOVE ON.

>> NOW THE ROLE OF THE HORSE RACING COMMISSION, TELLING US17:30:49 THAT THE HORSE RACING17:30:50 COMMISSION WAS RE-ESTABLISHED17:30:51 IN LATE 2023.

THEY HAVE NOT HAD A FORMAL17:30:54 MEETING.

17:30:55 THAT IS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN TRYING AND FAILING TO GET THE IGL TO MEET WITH THEM TO ASSESS WHERE THINGS STAND WITH THE17:31:04 RACETRACK.

MR. NIELSEN, WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE COMMISSION´S APPROACH TO THIS17:31:10 SITUATION?

17:31:11 >> I THINK THAT YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE ORIGIN OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE IGL IN17:31:16 THE TERRITORY.

IT STARTED DURING THE -- ADMINISTRATION.

ALLOWING THE DEALS, HE PASSED AWAY, HE WAS DOING THIS.

AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

YOU ALSO HAVE TO CONSIDER WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING AT TWO SEE THAT THESE INVESTMENTS ARE MADE IN OTHER ISLANDS.

WHY ARE THEY NOT THERE?

IT CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED AS WELL AS THE LOCAL DYNAMIC.

HE IS THE LEADER IN THAT SPACE.

THE BACK-AND-FORTH THAT17:31:52 IS17:31:53 HAPPENING FROM MANY OF THE17:31:54 LOCAL ENFORCEMENT.

17:31:55 THEY HAVE HAD DIFFERENT17:31:56 CONVERSATIONS.

HOWEVER, WHEN WE DON´T SEE MOVEMENT, THE GOVERNOR´S MANDATES NEED TO MAKE17:32:03 THAT17:32:04 HAPPEN.

17:32:05 THE BAN ON MAKING SURE YOU DON´T HAVE HORSERACING.

THE IDEA OF MOVING THAT FACT.

THE FACT THAT WHEN CONSTRUCTED IT IS OUT OF THERE IF THEY HAD MORE TIME TO DO SO.

>> WHILE ST. CROIX´S RACETRACK IS TIED UP, HORSERACING AND ST. THOMAS HAS COME TO A HALT AFTER THREE HORSES HAD TO BE PUT DOWN17:32:31 AFTER SUFFERING INJURIES ON17:32:32 RACE DAY IN DECEMBER.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ST. THOMAS HORSE RACING COMMISSION SAID THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO LOOK UP A SAFETY OF THE ANIMALS, THE JOCKEYS, AND EVERYONE INVOLVED.

HERE´S MORE.

>> EVALUATING THE17:32:54 SAFETY17:32:55 PROTOCOLS FOR THEM.

17:32:56 MAKE IT CLEAR TO THE HORSE OWNERS ON THE TRAINERS THAT THEY HAVE THE ULTIMATE JURISDICTION TO SCRATCH A HORSE FROM THE RACE.

IF THEY ARE DRUG AND THEY HAVE MEDICINE IN THEM THAT PREVENTS THEM FROM REACTING TO WHAT WE DO TO TEST THE JOINTS, IT WILL NOT SHOW THAT IS FOUND.

THE FACT THAT WE --THE BETTER FOR THAT PART OF IT.

>> NOW, ATTORNEY HENRY, IN THE RUSH TO BRING HORSERACING BACK, DO YOU THINK THAT THE RACETRACK WAS OPENED MATURELY?

>> I HAVE DISQUALIFIED MYSELF FROM BEING A HORSE EXPERT.

I THINK THAT WAS PROBABLY THE17:33:48 CASE.

I´M PRETTY SURE THAT IT IS SOME SORT OF OVERSIGHT THAT HAS TO BE TRAGIC.

I THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD TO BRING THAT TRACK BACK IN FOR RACING IN PROPER FORM.

I AM TRUSTING THE JUDGMENT OF THE COMPANY WHO DOES THE17:34:12 CONSTRUCTION PEER >> THE COMMISSION IS MAKING IT FAIR THAT THE VET HAS THE17:34:16 ULTIMATE JURISDICTION TO SCRATCH AND UNFOUND HORSE FROM THE RACE.

THEY MIGHT BE DRUG IN A WAY THAT PREVENTS VETS FROM DETECTING THINGS BEFORE THE17:34:28 RACE.

THEY ARE STILL SUSPENDED.

MR. DAVID, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT IS A CAN TURN?

AND HOW BIG OF A CONCERN IS THAT MARK >> THAT THE TRIKE ANNOUNCED THAT IT IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED.

THAT IS REASON FOR CONCERN.

BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT THE TRACK HAS BEEN OPENED MANY MONTHS AND HORSES RAN THERE.

AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IS17:35:09 NOT17:35:10 UNUSUAL.

MEASURES OUGHT TO BE TAKEN FOR THESE PURPOSES.

AND SAFETY SHOULD BE THE17:35:21 CENTERPIECE OF THOSE17:35:22 ACTIVITIES.

17:35:23 >> ATTORNEY HENRY, DO YOU17:35:24 BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT COULD AFFECT PUBLIC PERCEPTION ABOUT WHAT THE CONDITIONS ARE AT THE17:35:31 RACETRACK?

17:35:32 IF SO, HOW DO YOU THINK THAT TRUST CAN BE REBUILT?

>> I THINK THAT HAS AFFECTED PUBLIC PERCEPTION.

17:35:44 THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPEN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRACKS IN THE UNITED STATES HAD A RASH OF COURSE YES.

THEY FIXED THE ISSUE AND I THINK RIGHT NOW WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE17:36:13 THERE.

I THINK THEY WILL FIX IT AND MOVE ON.

THE QUESTION THAT YOU POSED, IT IS SUCH A HUGE THING.

IF IT IS UNSUSPENDED, THERE WILL BE OTHER RACES AND THEY WILL ENFORCE THE ANTI-DOPING REGIMEN.

>> IN THE DECEMBER RACE WHERE THREE HORSES WERE INJURED WAS A BIT OF AN OUTLIER.

THAT IS THE REASON WHY, ULTIMATELY, THEY WANTED TO GET THAT TRACK EVALUATED.

LET´S TURN TO A TOPIC THAT IS GETTING LOTS OF ATTENTION ONLINE.

17:36:55 IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT RATE AND IT TERRITORY IN LINE WITH TRUMP´S EXECUTIVE ORDER PROTECTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AGAINST INVASION.

GOVERNOR ALBERT BRYAN JR. SAYS THAT IT IS HITTING LOCAL17:37:08 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HARD.

THERE IS A YEAR OF TAKING SOME CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL.

HERE IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY ON17:37:17 ANALYZE THIS.

>> AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON17:37:19 CONSTRUCTION.

THAT IS BEING FELT MOST.

THAT IS WHERE WE HAVE THE MOST17:37:26 WORKERS.

17:37:27 THAT IS WHERE IMMIGRATION SEEMS17:37:28 TO BE TARGETING.

17:37:29 ST. JOHN AND ST. THOMAS LOOKING AT CONSTRUCTION WORKERS COMING BACK-AND-FORTH.

WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE REGISTERED IN SCHOOL BUT DON´T REALLY HAVE A LEGAL VISA STATUS TO BE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

PEOPLE ARE NOT SENDING THE KIDS TO SCHOOL.

THERE ARE RUMORS17:37:47 OF PEOPLE17:37:48 BEING DRAGGED OUT.

THAT´S NOT TRUE.

WE HAVE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, MY17:37:56 TEAM ALTOGETHER.

THEY HAVE SOME INFORMATION PRINCIPLES.

17:38:02 TEACHERS.

17:38:03 OFFICERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO COME ON THESE OLD CAMPUSES.

THAT IS JUST A RUMOR.

IF THEY DO, WE DO NOT HAVE TO LET THEM ON THE CAMPUS.

IF YOUR KIDS ARE GOING TO SCHOOL, DON´T WORRY.

>> MR. NIELSEN, WHAT DO YOU MAKE ON THE GOVERNOR´S RESPONSE ON THE IMPACT OF THE17:38:24 IMMIGRATION RAIDS?

>> I THINK IT IS SPOT ON.

HE HAS A VERY CONFERENCE OF17:38:28 VIEW.

HE IS FEELING THE PRESSURE THAT IT COULD BE ANY LONGER WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR WORKERS.

MYSELF, IN 1970, 9000 WERE DEPORTED FROM THE17:38:49 VIRGIN17:38:50 ISLANDS.

THEY ARE DOING THE WORK TO SEE THAT THE ENTIRE WORKFORCE IS TAKEN AWAY.

WE HAVE TO TRY AND HANDLE IT.

I AM NOT CONVINCED THAT WE ARE.

I´M NOT CONVINCED.

>> MR. DAVID, HOW CONCERNED SHOULD WE BE ON THE IMPACT THAT THE IMMIGRATION RATE WILL BE HAVING ON THE WORKFORCE IN THE17:39:19 TERRITORIES?

17:39:20 >> IT IS VERY CRITICAL.

THIS IS A CAMPAIGN ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT.

HE IS MAKING SURE THAT HIS POLICIES ARE COMING TRUE.

HOWEVER, I´M NOT SURE HOW WELL THOUGHT OUT THAT IS.

I AM TOLD THAT PEOPLE CARE MORE FOR THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY17:39:44 ADDRESS.

17:39:45 THERE WERE APOLOGIES COMING FROM MANAGEMENT ALL THE TIME.

WE DON´T HAVE ANYBODY TO CLEAN17:39:50 THE ROOMS.

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND PEOPLE TAKING THE FAIRIES ARE HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME.

SO, THAT IS WHY THEY ARE CONCERNED.

THE ENTIRE ECONOMY WILL BE HIT17:40:10 REALLY HARD.

>> ATTORNEY HENRY, WE ARE SEEING SOME OF THESE RAIDS17:40:16 HAPPENING.

DO YOU SEE THESE RAIDS AS NECESSARY?

SOME PEOPLE SEE THESE RAIDS AS NECESSARY ENFORCEMENT, OTHERS CALL THIS HEAVY-HANDED.

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING IN TERMS OF PUBLIC REACTION HERE IN THE17:40:33 TERRITORY?

17:40:34 SHOULD WE BE SURPRISED HERE IN17:40:35 THE TERRITORY GIVEN THAT THIS WAS ONE OF THE PROMISES THAT THE PRESIDENT CAMPAIGNED ON?

>> NOT ONLY THAT, THE PEOPLE DOING THE ENFORCEMENT, WHEN I WAS A CHILD, IMMIGRATION WAS RUNNING THE FAIRIES.

IMMIGRATION, THE SHEER IMPACT.

BASED ON WHAT EVIDENCE THEY17:41:07 HAD.

THEM AND HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT HAS NO INFORMATION FROM THE LOCAL AUTHORITY ON17:41:19 ANYTHING.

THAT WITH FEDERAL LAW17:41:23 ENFORCEMENT.

17:41:24 THEY WILL COME WHETHER WE WANT TO OR NOT.

THERE IS MORE THAT PEOPLE17:41:32 SHOULD KNOW.

IT IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY.

THEY COME FROM A MINNESOTA17:41:43 IMMIGRANT GROUP.

WHEN THEY COME HERE, THEY WILL17:41:49 HAVE A WARRANT.

IT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE17:41:53 WARRANT.

IT IS NOT A WARRANT SIGNED BY A17:41:57 JUDGE.

THIS IS GOING TO SOUND CRAZY.

IF IT IS A TECHNICAL VIOLATION IF YOU ARE ARRESTED BY I. C. E. YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS FROM A17:42:16 FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER.

17:42:17 >> VERY INTERESTING.

>> UNLESS YOU HAVE PROVIDED COUNSEL ON YOUR OWN OR THERE IS AN IMMIGRANT WILLING TO HELP YOU, LIKE I SAID, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.

SO THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE SCARED.

>> MR. NIELSEN, DO YOU THINK THAT THE TERRITORY HAS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM?

DO YOU VIEW THESE RAIDS AS NECESSARY HERE?

>> I THINK THEY ARE A BIT HEAVY-17:42:46 HANDED.

17:42:47 I THINK THE SECONDARY OPTION IS MORE SCARY FOR ME.

THOSE WHO ARE HERE ILLEGALLY17:42:54 ARE ALSO THREATENED.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR17:43:00 EDUCATORS?

17:43:01 THREE OUT OF EVERY FOUR ARE NOT17:43:02 FROM HERE.

17:43:03 WELL HAPPEN TO OUR CHILDREN.

17:43:04 THERE IS AN EDUCATION GAP THAT WILL BE EVEN MORE IMPACTED AND IT WILL GO THROUGH THE PIPELINE EVEN MORE.

THAT IS THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ISSUE I SEE FROM THE17:43:17 EXECUTIVE ORDER.

>> WE ARE TURNING TO THE SECOND STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS.

THERE WERE MIXED REACTIONS AND SOME PEOPLE HAD OPTIMISM AND FOCUSED ON A COMMITMENT.

SOME QUESTION THE LACK OF SPECIFICS ON GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND CRITICAL SERVICES SUCH AS HUMAN SERVICES AND17:43:36 HEALTHCARE.

LET´S HEAR WHAT SENATORS HAD TO17:43:42 SAY.

>> A LOT OF RIBBON CUTTING.

AND DID NOT SAY THAT MUCH AND THAT IS ONE THING WE NEED TO GET STARTED MORE WITH THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY.

THOSE THINGS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SPEECH.

>> GOING TO HEAR MORE TALK ABOUT MORE --IN THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY.

MOVING FORWARD THE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS IN THE TERRITORY.

THE SITUATION THAT I AM SEEING BUT I´M NOT HEARING MUCH ABOUT.

WE WILL NOT HEAR MUCH ABOUT HUMAN SERVICES.

FAMILY COMPLICATIONS, HEALTH WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SAYING THAT THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT I AM HEARING THAT.

YOU DID NOT HEAR A LOT OF CONVERSATION ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT THE PEOPLE ARE FACING ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS.

>> THE BIGGEST PART OF THIS THAT I THINK IS THE CULTURE AND THAT A LOT OF MEN AND WOMEN HAVE IT AND ARE17:45:00 EXPERIENCING17:45:01 IT.

>> IF YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND THE STATE OF THE TERRITORY, WE WILL FIX IT.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO ME?

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO THE17:45:15 RESIDENCE?

IF HE COULD HAVE EXPANDED ON A FEW THINGS TO GIVE PEOPLE AN IDEA OF THE DIRECTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO WORK ON SOME OF THESE ISSUES THAT ARE PLAGUING THE STATE OF THE17:45:30 TERRITORY.

>> THESE ARE SERIOUS.

WHEN THE GOVERNOR COMMUNICATES HIS THOUGHTS, IT IS NOT GOOD FOR ME AND MY PEOPLE.

IT IS REALLY TIME.

>> I THINK THAT HE ACTUALLY CONFRONTED AND CREATED A BALANCE OF SPEAKING17:45:52 ABOUT A17:45:53 COMPASS RINSE.

I AM PROUD OF THE ADMINISTRATION.

>> I APPRECIATED WHAT HE HAS PROVIDED THUS FAR.

>> HE HAS THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

AND FOR THE NEXT TWO MORE GOING17:46:20 FORWARD.

>> I WANT TO BEGIN WITH YOU.

WE JUST HEARD A RANGE OF REACTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR´S17:46:27 SPEECH.

WHAT DO YOU HEAR MOST FROM THEIR RESPONSES?

>> THEY ARE ALL VERY CRITICAL OF HIS INABILITY TO ATTACH THE AVERAGE CONSTITUENT.

HE IS SUPER ELOQUENT AND AMAZING ABOUT FINANCIAL AND THE NUMBERS ON SPEAKING TO THE TERRITORY STOCK HOLDERS.

THESE ARE NOT THE PEOPLE17:46:51 ARE17:46:52 REPRESENTED BY THE SENATORS.

THAT IS WHY THERE IS SUCH A BACKLASH.

GIVING BACK ALMOST $400 MILLION IN TAX REFUNDS.

LOOKING AT HOW HE WAS ABLE TO GET ANOTHER $16 BILLION FOR17:47:09 DISASTER RECOVERY.

THAT IS AMAZING.

THAT IS NOT REALLY WHAT RESONATES WITH PEOPLE LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN17:47:16 GROCERY STORES.

PEOPLE ARE MORE CRITICAL OF THE OCA WHO IS REALLY DROPPING THE17:47:23 BALL.

17:47:24 >> MR. DAVIS, WHAT ULTIMATE LEAD DOES THE LEGISLATURE PLAY IN MAKING SURE THAT THESE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED?

WE HAD THE CRITICISM OF GETTING THINGS DONE AND ENSURING THAT THERE IS ENOUGH FUNDING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

WHAT ROLE CAN LAWMAKERS LAY IN17:47:41 THIS?

>> THEY HAVE TO HAVE MORE OVERSIGHT OF GOVERNMENT17:47:51 OPERATIONS.

17:47:52 SOME ARE CALLING ON THE ADMINISTRATION AND ASKING THEM QUESTIONS DIRECTLY.

I WANT TO DISCUSS THE FACT THAT THEY ARE CREATING BALANCE FOR THE17:48:08 ENTIRE STATE.

AND THEY WILL BE ACCUSTOMED TO SOME OPPOSITION NO MATTER WHAT.

THE CONTENT WAS REMARKABLY SOUND.

ST. CROIX NEEDS TO GET AND MAINTAIN 60,000 PASSENGERS.

THEY NEED TO PROVIDE THOUSANDS ACROSS SHIPS ALONE THAT17:48:45 HAVE GENERATED 1200 $60,000 IN THE17:48:49 PAST YEARS.

UNEMPLOYMENT HAS NOT GONE DOWN TO 3.

9%.

ALL OF THAT IS VERY SIGNIFICANT.

AND THAT SOMETIMES CAN BOTHER CONSTITUENTS.

I DON´T REALLY CARE ABOUT THE17:49:11 GOVERNOR.

YOU KNOW, THERE IS GOING TO BE17:49:14 CRITICISM.

>> ATTORNEY HENRY, THE GOVERNOR TALKS A LOT ABOUT RIBBON- CUTTING AND GROUNDBREAKING BUT17:49:26 NOT ENOUGH ABOUT COMPLETION17:49:27 DATES.

ARE THEY SLOW TO ANNOUNCE PRODUCTS INSTEAD OF FINISHING THEM?

>> THE ADMINISTRATION HAS A LOT TO ACCOMPLISH BETWEEN NOW AND WHEN THEY LEAVE.

IF THEY CANNOT GET THESE PROJECTS FINISHED AND CONFIRMED.

NOTHING HAS STARTED.

WE ARE GOING TO FINISH IT.

YOU KNOW.

I THINK THAT IS BASED MUCH MORE ON THEM DOING THIS ESSENTIALLY AND NEARING THE COMPLETION17:50:13 DATE.

WE AS A PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE A LITTLE MORE PEP IN OUR STEP.

THE SECRETARY MENTIONED AS WELL THAT WE NEED TO HOLD OUR PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE, SHE IS COMPLETELY17:50:29 RIGHT.

17:50:30 THAT ACCOUNTABILITY INCLUDES17:50:31 MAKING SURE THAT PROJECTS ARE VIABLE AND COMPLETED ON TIME.

THAT IS INSANE.

WE HAVE -- PARK WHICH IS 80% DONE IN 12 YEARS.

I HAVE TO COMMEND THEM GETTING THE HOTEL UP IN A YEAR.

BECAUSE EVEN GETTING A PARKING GARAGE BUILT IN A YEAR ON ST. 17:51:04 CROIX.

I DON´T KNOW WHAT´S GOING ON THERE.

THEY HAVE MORE THAT I NEED TO BE COMPLETED.

WE NEED TO SEE CONCRETE RESULTS.

>> MR. NIELSEN SAID THAT THE GOVERNOR´S TONE WAS POSITIVE WHICH IS COMPARED TO THE WAY THAT THE PUBLIC IS EXPERIENCING A?

17:51:42 >> THE GOVERNORS HELD RESPONSIBLE AT THE VERY LEAST.

WHEN THERE IS A $4000 DEAL WHICH HE DOES, THERE IS A LOT OF PROGRESS BEING MADE.

THAT HAS NOT MADE ITS WAY DOWN.

IT LOOKS DIFFERENT, RIGHT?

IN A TIME WHERE A PERCENT OF17:52:07 CUTS ARE HAPPENING.

17:52:08 LET´S LOOK AT NUMBER FOUR NUMBER, METRIC FOR METRIC, I AM HAVING A DEBATE WITH MYSELF.

I DON´T THINK HE PUTS ENOUGH PRESSURE ON STAFF TO DO THEIR TASK.

AS A GOVERNOR, MANAGING DIFFERENT AGENCIES.

I THINK THAT D. O. C. HAS TO REALLY PUT PRESSURE ON17:52:33 THESE GUYS.

WHEN I LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE UP AGAINST, IT IS NOTHING THAT I´VE SEEN IN MY YEARS.

THAT IS JUST NOT THE CASE.

>> MR. DAVID, SOMETHING THAT WAS NOTED WAS THAT HUMAN SERVICES WAS LARGELY MISSING FROM THE SPEECH.

WAS THAT A MAJOR OVERSIGHT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNOR?

>> IF THE GOVERNOR WAS TO GO OVER EVERY AGENCY, IT WOULD BE OVER 35 MINUTES, HE WOULD BE GOING FOR AN HOUR.

THE PROGRAMS THAT HAVE BENEFITED TREMENDOUSLY.

AND ONE OF THOSE IS HUMAN17:53:32 SERVICES.

I THINK I WOULD´VE BEEN GOOD FOR EVERYONE.

THE GOVERNOR HAS DONE TREMENDOUS WORK.

AND HE HAS COMMISSIONED MANY AND BENEFITED THEM ON THE FACT OF ST. CROIX.

THAT IS A SIGNIFICANT17:54:08 DIFFERENCE.

THEY HAVE NOT GOT UP, THEY LET THEM GO DOWN.

NOW THEY ARE STARTING ON ST. 17:54:21 CROIX.

WE SPOKE ON THE EARLIER.

I WILL GIVE THE GOVERNOR A17:54:31 PLUS.

17:54:32 AND ST. CROIX AND WHAT WE JUST MENTIONED ABOUT THE GOVERNOR IS THE MAIN POINT OF HIS COMMENTS.

>> ATTORNEY HENRY, AFTER HEARING THE GOVERNOR´S ADDRESS AND SENATORS REACTIONS TO17:54:44 IT, WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL TAKE ON THE ADDRESS?

AND ULTIMATELY WHERE THE TERRITORY STANDS AND WHERE IT17:54:53 IS HEADED?

>> I THINK THE ADDRESS WAS A GOOD RECYCLING OF THE17:55:03 ADMINISTRATIONS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR.

I THINK THEY WERE17:55:08 QUITE ACCURATE IN THE TRIBULATIONS AND THE OPTIONS THAT THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT IN THINGS THAT ARE BEING DONE.

THAT IS A BIG ISSUE.

IT AFFECTS RENOVATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE TOWN.

A LOT OF IT IS NOT BEING KEPT UP.

THEY HAVE MORE IN THE STATE.

IF THAT IS NOT17:55:51 HAPPENING, IT WILL NOT MOVE.

THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS SOMETHING IS VERY IMPORTANT THERE.

THAT WILL BENEFIT THEM.

THERE IS A LOT MORE THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.

AS MR. NIELSEN SAID, THEY NEED TO BE HELD A LITTLE BIT17:56:14 MORE ACCOUNTABLE, GENERALLY SPEAKING FROM THE TOP.

THAT IS A LITTLE BIT WHERE THEY17:56:27 ARE LACKING.

>> OKAY, THAT IS ALL THE TIME WILL HAVE FOR YOU TODAY.

BE SURE TO TUNE IN NEXT SUNDAY AT 1:00 P. M. FOR A NEW EPISODE OF COMES WITH17:56:37 THE TERRITORY.

FOR ANY UPDATES, TUNE INTO THE WTJX NEWS TEAM WEEKDAYS AT 5:00 P. M. BY DOWNLOADING THE WTJX APP.

FROM ALL OF US HERE AT WTJX CHANNEL 12, SEE YOU SOON.

TO THE VIEWS OF THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT THE VIEWS OF WTJX STAFF.